NRL commemorates service heroes for ANZAC Round

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The NRL, together with clubs, players and fans, will pause during Round 8 – ANZAC Round – to honour and reflect on the sacrifices that thousands of service men and women have given to protecting Australia, New Zealand and countries around the world.

Short ceremonies will be held prior to the commencement of matches across the Round, with the NRL partnering with the Returned Services League (RSL), Australian War Memorial and Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces to honour those who have served and continue to serve.

On ANZAC Day itself, traditional matches will take place between the Roosters vs. Dragons in Sydney and Storm vs. Warriors in Melbourne.

This will be the 16th time that the Roosters and Dragons have played on ANZAC Day, whilst it will be the eighth time that the Storm have played the Warriors in Melbourne on 25 April, with all four teams including a mix of Australian and New Zealand players.

2017 also marks the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign and the Rugby League community will pause to remember this campaign across the Round.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg paid tribute to the thousands of service men and women who have fought to protect the freedom of many.

"Thousands within military roles have had a connection to Rugby League over the years – either involved in the game or as fans," Mr Greenberg said.

"ANZAC Round is always an occasion treated with respect, honour and dignity, as it should be.

"I will be one of many within the Australian and New Zealand Rugby League communities attending a match and honouring those who have valiantly ensured the freedom that both countries enjoy."

Special ticket offers will be available across ANZAC Round for current and ex service personnel and RSL members wishing to attend matches.

Formal identification will need to be verified prior to ticket purchases, with further information on specific match commemorations and ticket offers available on club websites.

RSL members will be collecting funds at matches for the ANZAC Appeal, raising much needed funds to support former and serving members of the Australian and allied defence forces.